Huge numbers in drug seizure stats

Customs seized 143 kilograms of methamphetamine and 575 kilograms of its precursor ephedrine in the first six months of the year, Customs Minister Nicky Wagner says.

She says the statistics for the first six months of 2016 indicate it'll be a record year of seizures.

From January to June, Customs made 1634 seizures at the border of numerous types of class A, B and C drugs.

Among them was the already reported record 200kg of ephedrine hidden in a consignment of paper and 35kg of cocaine found stuffed in a diamante-encrusted horse head statue.

Also, 20kg of methamphetamine hidden in the lining of two suitcases was the largest ever seizure at an airport.

"Whether its a suitcase of methamphetamine or an envelope of ecstasy, Customs is preventing the harmful effects of these drugs on our communities. I commend Customs officers for their work every single day," Ms Wagner says.